TAS Liquor Licensing

Liquor Legislation
Liquor licensing in Tasmania is regulated by the Liquor and Gaming Branch under the Liquor Licensing Act 1990. Once a liquor licence has been granted, authorisation must be obtained to change significant aspects of your business, such as altering the area of your premises or transferring the licence to another person. The Liquor and Gaming Branch is responsible for assessing new applications and amendments to current licences and permits. The Liquor and Gaming Branch also monitors licensed premises and investigates complaints in relation to licensed premises.

Authorises the sale of liquor on premises between 5am and 12 midnight daily. An out-of-hours permit can be approved to authorise the sale of liquor between 12 midnight and 5am.

For consumption on or off the premises. This licence is usually issued to hotels and taverns.

Club

Authorises the sale of liquor on the club’s premises between 5am and 12 midnight daily. An out-of-hours permit can be approved to authorise the sale of liquor between 12 midnight and 5am.

Usually issued to sporting or RSL clubs. Sale of liquor is limited to:

a)club members

b)a member's guest

c)a visitor to the club

d)a member of another club with a reciprocal arrangement

e)a competitor in an event hosted by the club on that day

f)a spectator of an event conducted or hosted by the club on that day

g)a person who is attending a meeting or a function conducted by a not for profit organisation

Liquor cannot be sold to other organisations/groups for resale by those groups.

On Licence

Authorises the sale of liquor for consumption on the licensed premises between 5am and 12 midnight daily. An out-of-hours permit can be approved to authorise the sale of liquor between 12 midnight and 5am.

Usually issued to some nightclubs, bars and bar/restaurants. An on licence authorises the sale of liquor at a restaurant for consumption with or without food.

If a licensee wishes to sell liquor for consumption off the licensed premises for specific occasions or events (such as street dining), they can apply for an off permit.

Off Licence

Authorises the sale of liquor between 5am and 12 midnight daily for consumption off the licensed premises. An out-of-hours permit can be approved to authorise the sale of liquor between 12 midnight and 5am.

Usually issued to bottle shops as a stand alone facility or associated with a hotel.

Special Licence

Authorises the sale of liquor between specified times and subject to conditions specified in the licence.

This licence can be issued for the sale of liquor in areas of the hospitality industry with specific limitations and restrictions such as restaurants, function centres, tertiary institutions, accommodation providers, wine producers or tourist attractions.

Before proceeding with an application an applicant is advised to contact the Liquor and Gaming Branch to ensure that the application is made in accordance legislation and all relevant documentation is provided and appropriate authorities have been consulted.

While an application can be determined without planning approval, applicants should be aware that a licence is of no effect if the use of the premises for the sale of liquor is not otherwise lawful.

An application for a liquor licence will not be referred to the Board unless the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to hold a liquor licence and the application is in accordance with all the documentation.

The applicant is required to give public notice of the application. The Commissioner for Licensing will provide the format for the notice.

A liquor licence can only be held by a person who is at least 18 years old. Licences cannot be held by more than one person, companies or trusts.

In considering an application for a licence or permit, the Commissioner for Licensing or the Licensing Board are required to take into account whether the application is, in their opinion, in the best interests of the community.

Applicants for liquor licences are required to undertake Responsible Service of Alcohol training.

What Signage Do I Need?
Signage is intended to help make sure that patrons stay safe and enjoy themselves in licensed premises. Signs are available at request from the Liquor and Gaming branch offices in Hobart and Launceston free of charge. For clarification on the mandatory signage requirements visit the Liquor Licensing section of the Department of Treasury and Finance website.

Responsible Service of AlcoholA person applying to hold a liquor licence is required to undertake Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training unless exempted by the Commissioner for Licensing. Exemptions are usually only granted for special liquor licence applicants. In addition, staff that are employed to serve liquor must undertake RSA training within three months of commencing employment. Licensees must keep a Responsible Service of Alcohol Register.

RSA courses are approved by the Commissioner for Licensing and are available throughout Tasmania from registered training organisations. For details on the registered training organisations visit the Liquor Licensing section of the Department of Treasury and Finance website.